New Little Free Library now at Surfing Madonna Park

Looking for free beach books, books for the kids, gardening tips, places to visit along the coast?

Check out the ever-changing variety of books at the new Little Free Library located at the corner of Highway 101 and Encinitas Boulevard behind Leucadia Pizzeria.

People passing by are invited to browse and take a book, and if possible leave a book.

The location was inspired by the popularity of the Surfing Madonna, as a way to encourage the community to spend a little time at the park admiring the beautiful artwork by Mark Patterson.

The concept of the Little Free Library, a neighborhood bookcase, is to offer books for free donated by the community in order to promote neighborhood connections. There are more than 90,000 of these Little Free Libraries registered with the organization. Placing the community book exchange at Surfing Madonna Park was the inspiration of Cardiff resident Mike Redman, the aquatics director for Surfing Madonna Oceans Project, who also designed and built the library. Redman says: “My purpose was to get more people to spend time at the park. I’ve seen these Little Free Libraries around town and thought it would be a great project for the community.”

The Surfing Madonna glass mosaic artwork quickly grew into a community icon. Often people walking past on their way to the beach will pause and admire her. Redman drew inspiration from the Surfing Madonna and “I designed the library around the color scheme and style of Mark Patterson’s vision.”

This little park behind Leucadia Pizzeria contains numerous reasons to stop and visit. The addition of the Little Free Library is another delightful opportunity to pause and enjoy.

“While you are there, be sure to check out the magnificent mural by local artist Kevin Anderson, depicting underwater sea life of our local ocean,” said Redman. “As a board member of Surfing Madonna I’ve seen first hand how many people are inspired by Mark Patterson’s vision of the Surfing Madonna!”

The library is open to the public all hours. For more information, visit surfingmadonna.org or email mike@surfingmadonna.org.

To learn how to start your own Little Free Library in your neighborhood, go to littlefreelibrary.org/start/

— News Release